System and method for offering portable language interpretation services

ABSTRACT

Language interpretation for users includes a portable system for providing access to interpretation services, such as a prepaid, debit or credit card for the user. The prepaid card has a number of minutes of language interpretation service associated with it in addition to a number of minutes of telephone time. A telephone number to call is printed on the card for language interpretation services. Minutes or other unit of measure are deducted from the card as used for the interpretation. The cards are language specific, and the telephone number printed on the card is specific to a certain language. The service can be part of telephone service or more especially part of a mobile telephone service. The mobile telephone has a number of minutes of language interpretation service associated with it in addition to a number of minutes of telephone time. A telephone number is programmed to call the language interpretation services.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/395,963, entitled “System and Method for Offering PortableLanguage Interpretation Services”, filed on Jul. 12, 2002 which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to offering languageinterpretation services. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to providing language interpretation services to users throughthe use of a portable access system.

[0004] 2. Description of the Background Art

[0005] Many travelers find that a major obstacle in traveling abroad iscommunication in countries where they do not speak the native language.

[0006] Previous approaches have been made to provide interpretationservices to travelers, however they are not always convenient. Manypeople purchase foreign language dictionaries for the purpose ofinterpretation when traveling abroad, however this approach is certainlyawkward in attempting a conversation and quite time consuming to use. Italso adds to what a traveler has to carry around on a daily basis.Electronic devices are also available that offer interpretation based onwhat is typed on a small keyboard. This too can be time consuming and isnot always convenient.

[0007] There is a also a system which is known as Language LineServices™ (LLS). This does provide interpretation services over thephone to businesses and some persons who are set up with pre-authorizedaccounts and accessible from only the US, UK, Canada and Japan. If usedby consumers and with a requirement from a broad range of countries, acredit card would be required, and the access time and approval ofcredit card terms inserts a delay which is often unacceptable. Moreoverthe credit card model for payment is not an optimum business model. Itis thus limited in use and is not a prepaid service.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide amethod for providing interpretation services to users generally, forinstance travelers that is convenient and can be accessed in a veryshort time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The system and method of the present invention allows for accessto live interpretation services anywhere in the world. Specifically, themethod involves providing over the phone interpretation services to auser such as a traveler through the use of a portable system, forinstance a pre-paid card, or other prepaid medium. Quality, live,professional language interpretation, as is offered by the presentinvention, can turn a barely discernable communication into a clearlyunderstood conversation between people of different languages.Therefore, the method of the present invention provides the user peaceof mind assurance of instant language assistance from anywhere in theworld by offering professional language interpretation through a serviceusing a portable phone or a landline phone wherein the necessarycriteria are met to provide essentially instantaneous interpretation.Access to a designated interpreter can be for instance through apre-paid calling card. The language interpretation service is availablein over 150 languages.

[0010] Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,a pre-paid language interpretation card is given to a user, for instancea traveler prior to departure on their trip or at the point or arrival.The card has a telephone number printed on it which allows the traveleraccess to language interpretation services over the phone from anywherein the world. The telephone number printed on the card is preferably an800 International number or a series of international toll free numberscompatible with countries around the world. The card is pre-paid in thatit provides a predefined amount of over the phone languageinterpretation service to the traveler. The predefined amount generallycorresponds to the amount of money that has been deposited “on thecard”. The predefined amount may be measured by the minute or unit oftime

[0011] The pre-paid card is similar in size and appearance to a creditcard and can easily be placed in a wallet or pocket, and is thereforeconvenient to carry at all times. The card may have a code printed on itthat is used to identify it from others, and used when deducting time ormoney from the card/account.

[0012] The card is re-chargeable. When the pre-paid amount associatedwith the card runs out, or comes close to being gone, the traveler canpurchase additional time on the card with their own credit card. Minutesmay have an expiration date.

[0013] In one embodiment, the card offers the language interpretationservice alone. In an alternative embodiment, the pre-paid card has adual purpose, offering international long distance calling minutes inaddition to the pre-paid over the phone language interpretation service.

[0014] Never before has a pre-paid live language interpretation servicebeen offered. The pre-paid language card has many benefits. The pre-paidlanguage card can be used for emergency assistance in foreign countries.For example, a traveler can use the pre-paid card to accessinterpretation services in a medical emergency. The method of thepresent invention may be of great assistance in life threateningsituations where doctors or nurses and patient cannot communicate. Usingthe pre-paid card of the present invention allows for almost immediateaccess to language interpretation over the phone. The pre-paid cardcould also be used to access interpretation services to aid in border,customs, and immigration issues. The pre-paid card can certainly be usedby the business traveler who needs assistance in business communicationfor clarity, precision, and etiquette. The pre-paid languageinterpretation service is conveniently used by a traveler who need toclarify directions when traveling in a foreign country, or otherwise tocommunicate with locals for any reason in their native language.Generally, the prepaid card and method of the present inventioneliminates worry and risk for the English-speaking Traveler.

[0015] A distinguishing feature of this embodiment is that the card isuniversally compatible with phone technology, including but not limitedto wire line, payphone, cellular and satellite telecommunicationstechnology. The international toll free and direct-dial numbers areselected to be compatible independent of technology and the call'scountry of origin.

[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, interpretationservices are accessed through a mobile phone that the traveler is givenor has available. It is known that mobile phones used in the UnitedStates do not often work in foreign countries. Mobile phones are oftenavailable for rent in foreign countries. Therefore, in an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, pre-paid interpretation servicesare offered through a mobile phone. Like other mobile phones which mayhave a button dedicated to emergency assistance, this customized mobilephone for interpretation might have a button dedicated to languageinterpretation services, providing immediate connection, without dialinga number manually. In this embodiment, the person using the phone maynot need to provide any type of codes or identifying information, sincethat information could be detected from the phone itself.

[0017] The present invention also has implications on the way thattravel agents or travel related companies do business. For example, thecard can be offered to the traveler or included as part of a travelpackage by their travel agent. It is foreseen that the pre-paid languagecards of the present invention would be offered by airlines, travelagencies, car rental companies, and travel insurance agents, as peace ofmind to those planning travel abroad. The card can additionally bepurchased by the traveler, perhaps in a vending machine in an airport orother location, at a hotel, tourist attraction, or just about any otherconvenient location.

[0018] An advantage of the present invention over prior art methods isthat it enables access to over the phone language interpretationservices while avoiding integration issues with telecom or wirelesscarriers. By utilizing the prepaid card, international wireless andtelecom companies forego the requirement to integrate billing systemsand functionality onto their systems and platforms. The result:utilizing prepaid in a unique way that delivers “Risk-free” assessmentof additional telecom features (in this case, a voice feature thatpertains to interpretation). This approach therefore enables the clientto assess new opportunities without the capital outlay or integrationissues that have been barriers to the industry to date.

[0019] Another embodiment of this card is for alternative paymentmethods in which to access interpretation, whether domestically orinternationally. A Debit Card configuration is used which allows usersto enjoy interpreter access as described and at pre-defined rates, butto have the payment debited automatically from the user's bank accountor alternate source of funding. Pre-authorized usage cards operatesimilarly to credit card payments. Users call Language Line Services to“activate” the cards including the selection of credit card paymentmethod. Per minute and package rates are defined and selected by theuser. Rates include both the international long distance andinterpretation services combined. The card is therefore unique to theuser and payment reflects actual usage, being automatically paid bycredit card or debit card in accordance with the activation setupexecuted by the user.

[0020] As such the system provides a portable system wherein the useranywhere can use the pre-determined data which is either prepaid ordebited immediately as interpretation is being effected through thephone system. By using the wireless telephone with any one or more ofthese payment systems the portability is increased.

[0021] Applications for non-travelers seeking interpreters forcommunication purposes whether abroad or at home are also within thescope of the invention. The same application holds true for domesticinterpretation, assisting non-English speaking residents to communicatein English-speaking countries (i.e. Spanish residents seeking acommunication tool for use within the United States). The same is trueof all language-based solutions in any country delivered through theconvenience of card access.

[0022] An additional application is for business or personal clientsseeking to meter or limit their spending of Over-the-PhoneInterpretation (OPI) services. Use of card formats limits use to theamount of time loaded or authorized, thereby making the card a costcontainment tool

[0023] Yet a further application is a portable system, where forinstance a card delivery is used that also makes interpreter accessviable for educational applications. Predefined units of interpreteraccess make cards an educational tool, allowing 1) language students topractice their understanding of various languages and can do soregardless of geographic locale or time; 2) clearer understanding forLimited English Speakers (LEPs) to gain interpreter assistance foreducational assistance regardless of locale or time. Further, commercialapplications have been identified in military, legal, healthcare andemergency services environments where authorized access tointerpretation services with predefined units of usage are required.

DRAWINGS

[0024]FIG. 1 is a table illustrating the Instant Language Access fromAnywhere in the World, relating the Pre-Paid international Card, theService, the Traveler Benefits, and the Carrier Partner benefits

[0025]FIG. 2 is a is a table illustrating the Instant Language Accessfrom Anywhere in the World, relating the Language Coverage forUnparallel Traveler Peace of Mind, the Service Description, the TravelerBenefits, and the Travel guard Partner Benefits

[0026]FIGS. 3a and 3 b are front and back of a card in accordance withthe invention FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the system in relation tomedia (data, paper, a card, a mobile phone) accessed by the usedinterfacing with computer system for obtaining the interpretationservices

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the invention areprovided. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilizedand structural and functional changes may be made without departing fromthe respective scope of the present invention.

[0028] There is provided a method and system of offering pre-paidlanguage interpretation service to users such as travelers. Although theinvention is described largely in reference to a traveler, the inventionis not intended to be so limited. A method of offering a portablelanguage interpretation service to users, involves offering the user acard, the card having access to a of units of language interpretationservice. There is a telephone number to call on the card for saidlanguage interpretation services. Language interpretation services areprovided to the user at the telephone number specified on the card.Units are accessed in relation to the card as units are used for theinterpretation.

[0029] The user can use a mobile telephone having access to a languageinterpretation service associated with it. A telephone number is calledfor accessing the telephone to the language interpretation service.

[0030] The invention is also directed to the integration of the languageinterpretation service into the telephone services provided by thetelephone company, preferably the mobile telephone company.

[0031] There can also be a medium which is a card for a user. The cardhas data relating to a number of units of language interpretationservice associated with it, and a telephone number to call on the cardfor said language interpretation services. The card has data forproviding access to language interpretation services to the user at thetelephone number specified on the card. A computerized system permits arelationship with the card data for assessing minutes or other unit ofmeasure from data related to the card as units are used for theinterpretation service.

[0032] A portable language interpretation service to users includesoffering the user a through a telephone company access to units oflanguage interpretation service. There is a predetermined number to callfor said language interpretation services. Language interpretationservices are provided to the user at the predetermined number; and unitsare charged in relation to units used for the interpretation. Thetelephone company is ideally a mobile telephone company, and the useraccesses the telephone company through a mobile telephone.

[0033] The user can be provided with one of a prepaid calling card, adebit card or a credit card to effect payment for the units to thelanguage interpretation service. Alternatively the user is charged onaccount to a predetermined subscribers telephone account to effectpayment for the units to the language interpretation service.

[0034] In one form the user or traveler is offered a card to carry withthem. The card has a number of units, usually time based and usuallyminutes, of language interpretation service associated with it. In somecases there is in addition a number of units or time based element suchas minutes of telephone time. There is also a telephone number to callprinted on the card for said language interpretation services.

[0035] Language interpretation services are provided to the traveler atthe telephone number specified on the card. As used, a system deductsminutes or other unit of measure from the card as used for theinterpretation and/or the telephone time.

[0036] In some cases the card is a combination card and can be used foreither telephone services or the interpretation services or theinterpretation services co-jointly with the telephone services.

[0037] The card can be language specific, and the telephone numberprinted on the card is specific to a certain language. In other cases,the telephone number offers a general language interpretation service,and the user must specify what language is desired once they call.Commercially there is the step of offering the user the card byincluding the card in a travel package. This can include travelassurance packages, such as an air travel ticket; travel insurance; andpre-paid interpretation services through to a long-distance “calling”card medium. It can further include accident insurance; car rental; andaccommodations.

[0038] In another form, instead of a card the data relating to theservice is a mobile telephone. The mobile telephone has a number ofminutes of language interpretation service associated with it inaddition to a number of minutes of telephone time. There is a telephonenumber to call programmed into the telephone for speed dial connectingto obtain language interpretation services. The telephone number to callcan be programmed into the phone and be accessed by pressing a singlebutton on the mobile phone. The commercialization of the interpretationfeature for the wireless carrier is the addition of the interpretationfeature, and integrated the interpretation service onto their serviceplatform. Wireless provider feature is a pay as you go model andembedded into the format of the wireless service used by a wirelesssubscriber. IN some situations especially in the wireless phone mode theinterpretation service is available due to the prepaid card, debit card,or ongoing service access contracted in advance by the user and thewireless telephone company

[0039] The card or telephone is rechargeable in the sense that extracommercial credit is applied to the dedicated data or telephone numberor dedicated telephone to provide additional minutes for at least one ofthe language interpretation service or the telephone time. The languageinterpretation service access should expire after a predetermined timefrom an initial activation.

[0040] As such the system provides for on-demand pre-paid languageinterpretation service. A user has, is given or purchases prepaid accessdata. The data has a number of minutes of language interpretationservice associated with it in addition to a number of minutes oftelephone time. The user calls the telephone number, and the systemassesses the interpretation minutes available to the user associatedwith that data. If there is a sufficient amount of interpretation timeavailable; the user is essentially instantaneously connected to aninterpreter to provide essentially instantaneous interpretationservices.

[0041] By the term “essentially instantaneous”, there is meant to be asituation where a readily available bank of interpreters established bya provider is on standby, wherein callers requesting interpretationservices can be immediately or within less than 30 seconds connected tothe selected interpreter as soon as the validation has occurred that themedium or data has time available or prepaid for that interpretation.

[0042] There is thus provided a medium for offering pre-paid languageinterpretation service to users in combination with telephone time. Themedium can comprise a card for a user to carry with them, the cardhaving data relating to a number of minutes of language interpretationservice. Additionally there can be associated with it in addition to anumber of minutes of telephone time, and a telephone number to callprinted on the card for said language interpretation services. The cardhas data for providing access to language interpretation services to theuser at the telephone number specified on the card.

[0043] A computerized system permits a relationship with the card datafor deducting minutes or other unit of measure from data related to thecard as time is used for at least one of the interpretation time ortelephone time.

[0044] In a specific form, the medium can be a record of the datarelevant to the particular user, and telephone number, and the languageinterpretation service.

[0045] A mobile telephone may contain that data or the data can becontained no a prepaid card, such as a telephone card. In the telephoneformat, the telephone, namely a mobile, cellular or wireless telephone,can also be enabled to conduct telephoning to numbers unrelated to theinterpretation service.

[0046] A traveler's language assistance/assurance card facilitatesbusiness communication, convenience, and peace of mind. A pre-paid card(which can be distributed as a free promotion or be for re-sale isprovided for or to travel customers. Access to the languageinterpretation service can be through a 800 International Number or someother toll free number. Over-the-phone interpretation only orInternational Long Distance (LD) and Over the Phone Interpretation(OPI)are combined on a single card.

[0047] The card can be re-chargeable for additional OPI or LD. There-charge can be effected via a credit card. Preferably there is timelimit associated with the active life of the card. Ideally this can be 6months after activation.

[0048] The card provides the benefit of live interpreters to Englishspeaking individuals or others traveling abroad to foreign-languagecountries or to foreigners traveling to the US. It can have many uses,for instance, Emergency Assistance; to aid in border, customs andimmigration issues; assist in business communication for clarity,precision and etiquette; help clarify directions; or communicate withlocals for any reason in their native language; eliminate worry and riskfor the English-speaking Travelers.

[0049] This card is a pre-paid language assistance card. The card can bea combination card and either over-the-phone interpretation only orInternational Long Distance and OPI combined. A logo/marketing messagecould be on the card as well as Language Line Services™

[0050] Prepaid OPI cards address travelers concerned with the risks ofbeing unable to communicate while abroad. Cards are positioned as acompliment to international long distance (LD) cards and deliverinterpreters from anywhere carrier partner provides LD access. PrepaidOPI card can be configured to be stand-alone card or blended withinternational long distance. OPI card or portion of the card will expire6 months or some defined period of time after activation and have apreset amount of OPI minutes. Voice feature can be added to the card andcan be co-branded, for instance, the name of card (i.e. “TravelInterpreter”).

[0051] The method and system of the invention provides a “Communicationassurance” for travelers. It addresses a perceived risk of not beingable to communicate rather than the actual need of accessing aninterpreter. Simplicity of user access based on consumer familiarity ofexisting prepaid calling card products. To partners, retailers anddistributors, the card adds a value-add travel product that generatesincremental revenues at attractive margins.

[0052] 1. Product Description Configuration 1:

[0053] Card users call international 800 line, option for LD or OPI. Setnumber of OPI minutes per card from abroad. If the minute limitexceeded, carrier partner system allows for card to be re-charged athigher-per-minute-rate. The card is disposable; expires 6 months afteractivation.

[0054] Configuration 2:

[0055] Add-on feature to calling card platform. Card users callinternational 800 line, option for LD or OPI. Minutes decrement at setrates depending upon which option (int'l minutes or OPI). If minutelimit exceeded, carrier partner system allows for card to be re-chargedat higher-per-minute-rate. Card is disposable; expires xx days afteractivation.

[0056] All published 150 languages of Language Line Services, Inc. (LLS)are available for the card. This may be augmented or modified.

[0057] An example for Live Cards, is that revenue is recognized at timeof sale from Carrier Partner or direct LLS sales organization.Per-minute recharge revenue are collected monthly from Partner Carrier.The ability to track cards and authenticate revenue received forlive/active cards is attained.

[0058] An example for In-Field Activated Cards, revenue is generated atPoint-of-Sale. Cards are activated in-field (carrier service). Systemintegration is required to activate OPI access in parallel with receiptof revenue. Per-minute recharge revenue is collected monthly from thePartner Carrier. The ability to track cards and authenticate revenuereceived for live/active cards is attained.

[0059] For users this invention provides a “Communication assurance”.Simplicity of user access through the portability of the access media,and as further supplemented by the wireless telephone is based onconsumer familiarity of prepaid products, or services such as a debit orcredit authorized authority with a telephone company providing access tothe interpreter service or as a pre-arranged contract associated withthe wireless access. To the Wireless Partner there is a lucrativerevenue opportunity without infrastructure obstacles or integrationcosts. Likewise, for instance, the provider of language learning, canalso earn revenue since the student can use the portability accessibleinterpretation facility to access language lessons and exercise theforeign language. In one embodiment of the invention, as a retail card,English is the base language. There can be a retail for InternationalWireless Carrier. International LD is not included. A client dials“for-fee” international number to LLS (provided by Partner). The cardhas a branded front-end greeting; “promotional pitch” capabilityavailable via recorded messaging. The User enters Prepaid Card numberand PIN. The user utilizes/trials OPI. The card expires at apredetermined time, for instance x months, after initiation.

[0060] In another embodiment there is an English Service for USInternational Wireless Users Abroad. Cards are sold from WirelessCarrier to subscriber; and cards can be physical or virtual. Users usethe card based on Wireless Partner access and “for-fee” airtime back tothe US. A User calls Wireless Partner's for-fee phone number. Callerenters LLS standard automated front-end. The User enters Card number andPIN on LLS front-end to access OPI. The Caller then uses some or all ofthe prepaid OPI minutes. At 1 minute remaining, system whispers warning.At expiry of minutes, call routed to EAP to take credit card informationfor additional minutes. If client elects additional minutes and creditcard information taken, caller is re-connected to the interpreter.Otherwise, the call is terminated.

[0061] Cards for Foreign Nationals

[0062] The international traveler concerns about inability tocommunicate while abroad is satisfied. The prepaid card program is forforeign nationals visiting the US and other English-speaking countriesto provide instant interpreter access. To the international travelerthere is “Communication assurance” for foreign national travelers whilein the US. There is simplicity of user access based on consumerfamiliarity of prepaid products.

[0063] 1. Product Description

[0064] The Retail Card uses the foreign languages as base languages.These are, for instance: Spanish, Japanese, German, French, Portuguese,Italian, Cantonese/Mandarin. These are the Top visitors to the US.Source: Travel Industry Association of America, 2000. The card providesdomestic LD to LLS. Travel industry distributors offer PrepaidIn-Language OPI cards at POS. Top 7 languages offered on cards, allprinted in-language. Cards offer “International access to interpretersfrom anywhere in the United States/Canada/UK/Australia.” Physical card(PET) conveys Card & PIN numbers as well as instructions (for instancethe Sprint “Pocket Interpreter”)

[0065] The Client dials in-language LLS 1-800 number. In-languagefront-end greeting; “promotional pitch” capability available viarecorded messaging. The User enters Prepaid Card number and PIN, andutilizes OPI. Cards expire at x months

[0066] User calls LLS on in-language 1-800 line. Caller enters LLSautomated front-end in-language. User enters Card number and PIN on LLSfront-end to access OPI. Caller then uses some or all of the prepaid OPIminutes. At 1 minute remaining, system whispers warning (in-language).At expiry of minutes, call routed to EAP with interpreter on-line totake credit card information for additional minutes. If client electsadditional minutes and credit card information taken, caller resumeswith interpreter. Otherwise, call terminated.

[0067] Cards are sold and channeled to travel industry, travel insuranceentities and the like.

[0068] The description of exemplary and anticipated embodiments of theinvention have been presented for the purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the teachings herein.

We claim:
 1. A method of offering a portable language interpretationservice to users, the method comprising: offering the user a card tocarry with them, the card having a predetermined amount of units oflanguage interpretation service associated with it in addition to apredetermined amount of telephone service, and a telephone number tocall printed on the card for said language interpretation services;providing language interpretation services to the user at the telephonenumber specified on the card; and deducting units from the card as unitsare used for the interpretation.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein thecard is language specific, and the telephone number printed on the cardis specific to a certain language.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein thetelephone number offers a general language interpretation service, andthe user must specify what language is desired once they call.
 4. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the step of offering the user the card is doneby including the card in a commercial package.
 5. A method of offeringan assurance packages, wherein the package comprises: a travel ticket;travel insurance; and pre-paid interpretation services through to a“calling” card medium.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the pre-paidinterpretation service is in a language appropriate for the traveler'sdestination.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein the assurance package isoffered prior to departure of a user.
 8. The method of claims 5, furthercomprising: accident insurance; car rental; and accommodations.
 9. Amethod of offering a portable language interpretation service to users,the method comprising: having the user use a mobile telephone, themobile telephone having a number of units of language interpretationservice associated with it in addition to a number of units of telephoneservice, and a telephone number to call programmed into the telephonefor said language interpretation services; providing languageinterpretation services to the user as programmed into the telephone;and deducting units of measure from the telephone as used for theinterpretation.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein the telephone numberto call is programmed into the phone and accessed by pressing a singlebutton on the mobile phone.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 1 whereinthe card is rechargeable to provide additional minutes for at least oneof the language interpretation service or the telephone time.
 12. Themethod as claimed in claim 9 wherein the telephone is rechargeable toprovide additional minutes for at least one of the languageinterpretation service or the telephone time.
 13. The method as claimedin claim 1 wherein the language interpretation service access expiresafter a predetermined time from an initial activation.
 14. The method asclaimed in claim 9 wherein the language interpretation service accessexpires after a predetermined time from an initial activation.
 15. Amethod of offering pre-paid language interpretation service to users incombination with telephone time, the method comprising: offering theuser a card to carry with them, the card having a number of minutes oflanguage interpretation service associated with it in addition to anumber of minutes of telephone time, and a telephone number to callprinted on the card for said language interpretation services; providinglanguage interpretation services to the user at the telephone numberspecified on the card; and deducting minutes or other unit of measurefrom the card as used for at least one of the interpretation time ortelephone time.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the card is languagespecific, and the telephone number printed on the card is specific to acertain language.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein the telephonenumber offers a general language interpretation service, and the usermust specify what language is desired once they call.
 18. The method ofclaim 15 wherein the step of offering the traveler the card is done byincluding the card in a travel package.
 19. A method of offeringportable language interpretation service to users, the methodcomprising: having the user access a mobile telephone, the mobiletelephone having a number of minutes of language interpretation serviceassociated with it in addition to a number of minutes of telephone time,and a telephone number to call programmed into the telephone for saidlanguage interpretation services; providing language interpretationservices to the user as programmed into the telephone; and deductingminutes or other unit of measure from the telephone as used for at leastone of the interpretation or telephone time.
 20. The method of claim 19wherein the telephone number to call is programmed into the phone andaccessed by pressing a single button on the mobile phone.
 21. The methodas claimed in claim 15 wherein the card is rechargeable to provideadditional minutes for at least one of the language interpretationservice or the telephone time.
 22. The method as claimed in claim 19wherein the telephone is rechargeable to provide additional minutes forat least one of the language interpretation service or the telephonetime.
 23. The method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the languageinterpretation service access expires after a predetermined time from aninitial activation.
 24. The method as claimed in claim 19 wherein thelanguage interpretation service access expires after a predeterminedtime from an initial activation.
 25. A method of providing on demandportable language interpretation service comprising: providing a userwith access data, the data having a number of units of languageinterpretation service associated with it, and a telephone number tocall for said language interpretation services; the user calling thetelephone number; accessing the interpretation units available to theuser associated with that data, and if there is a sufficient amount ofinterpretation time available; connecting the user to an interpreter toprovide essentially instantaneous interpretation services; and assessingunits of measure from the data as interpretation units is used.
 26. Themethod of claim 25 wherein the data is language specific, and therelated telephone number is specific to a certain language.
 27. Themethod of claim 25 wherein the telephone number offers a generallanguage interpretation service, and the user must specify what languageis desired once they call.
 28. The method as claimed in claim 25 whereinthe data is contained on a card or in a mobile phone.
 29. The method asclaimed in claim 25 wherein the card is rechargeable to provideadditional units for at least one of the language interpretation serviceor the telephone time.
 30. The method as claimed in claim 28 wherein thetelephone is rechargeable to provide additional minutes for at least oneof the language interpretation service or the telephone time.
 31. Themethod as claimed in claim 25 wherein the language interpretationservice access expires after a predetermined time from an initialactivation.
 32. A medium for offering portable language interpretationservice to users in combination with telephone time, the mediumcomprising: a card for a user to carry with them, the card having datarelating to a number of units of language interpretation serviceassociated with it in addition to a number of units of telephoneservice, and a telephone number to call printed on the card for saidlanguage interpretation services; the card having data for providingaccess to language interpretation services to the user at the telephonenumber specified on the card; and a computerized system for permitting arelationship with the card data for assessing minutes or other unit ofmeasure from data related to the card as units are used for at least oneof the interpretation or telephone service.
 33. The medium of claim 32wherein the card is language specific, and the telephone number printedon the card is specific to a certain language.
 34. The medium of claim32 wherein the telephone number offers a general language interpretationservice, and the user must specify what language is desired once theycall.
 35. A mobile telephone for offering portable languageinterpretation service to users, comprising: a number of units oflanguage interpretation service associated with the telephone inaddition to a number of units of telephone time, and program with thephone directing the phone to call a telephone number for said languageinterpretation services; a computerized system for permitting arelationship with the phone for accessing minutes or other unit ofmeasure from data related to the phone as units are used for at leastone of the interpretation or telephone service.
 36. The telephone asclaimed in claim 35 wherein the telephone number to call is programmedinto the phone and accessed by pressing a single button on the mobilephone.
 37. The telephone as claimed in claim 35 wherein the telephone isenabled to conduct telephoning to numbers unrelated to theinterpretation service.
 38. A method of offering a portable languageinterpretation service to users, the method comprising: offering theuser a card to carry with them, the card having access to a of units oflanguage interpretation service, and a telephone number to call on thecard for said language interpretation services; providing languageinterpretation services to the user at the telephone number specified onthe card; and accessing units in relation to the card as units are usedfor the interpretation.
 39. A method as claimed in claim 38 wherein theuser is provided with a prepaid calling card to effect payment for theunits to the language interpretation service.
 40. A method as claimed inclaim 38 wherein the user is provided with a debit card to effectpayment for the units to the language interpretation service.
 41. Amethod as claimed in claim 38 wherein the user is provided with a creditcard to effect payment for the units to the language interpretationservice.
 42. A method of offering a portable language interpretationservice to users, the method comprising: having the user use a mobiletelephone, the mobile telephone having access to a languageinterpretation service associated with it, and a telephone number tocall for accessing the telephone to the language interpretation service;providing language interpretation services to the user; and accessingunits of measure of the language interpretation service as used for theinterpretation.
 43. A medium for offering portable languageinterpretation service to users, the medium comprising: a card for auser, the card having data relating to a number of units of languageinterpretation service associated with it, and a telephone number tocall on the card for said language interpretation services; the cardhaving data for providing access to language interpretation services tothe user at the telephone number specified on the card; and acomputerized system for permitting a relationship with the card data forassessing minutes or other unit of measure from data related to the cardas units are used for the interpretation service.
 44. A method ofoffering a portable language interpretation service to users, the methodcomprising: offering the user a through a telephone company access tounits of language interpretation service, and a predetermined number tocall for said language interpretation services; providing languageinterpretation services to the user at the predetermined number; andaccessing units for charging in relation to units are used for theinterpretation.
 45. A method as claimed in claim 44 wherein thetelephone company is mobile telephone company, and the user accessed thetelephone company through a mobile telephone
 46. A method as claimed inclaim 44 wherein the user is provided with one of a prepaid callingcard, a debit card or a credit card to effect payment for the units tothe language interpretation service.
 47. A method as claimed in claim 44wherein the user is charged on account to a predetermined subscriberstelephone account to effect payment for the units to the languageinterpretation service.
 48. A method as claimed in claim 47 wherein theaccount is for use of a mobile telephone, and the company is a mobiletelephone company
 49. A method of offering a portable languageinterpretation service to users, the method comprising: having the useruse a mobile telephone, the mobile telephone having access to a languageinterpretation service associated with it, and a telephone number tocall for accessing the telephone to the language interpretation service;providing language interpretation services to the user; and accessingunits of measure of the language interpretation service as used for theinterpretation.
 50. A medium for offering portable languageinterpretation service to users, the medium comprising: a card for auser, the card having data relating to a number of units of languageinterpretation service associated with it, and a telephone number tocall on the card for said language interpretation services; the cardhaving data for providing access to language interpretation services tothe user at the telephone number specified on the card; and acomputerized system for permitting a relationship with the card data forassessing minutes or other unit of measure from data related to the cardas units are used for the interpretation service.